First boat/reality check

[sbsbw]

I while ago I started a thread about lobster boat designs.
Lobster Boat Plans (http://media5.hypernet.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=003419)

I would like to build the Beals Island Lobster Boat (http://www.dhylanboats.com/index2.html) (you may have to scroll down to Diana)

This would be my first boat.
I just want to confirm that I am crazy.

[Figment]

Crazy you may be, but at least you have good taste!

:D

[Jack Heinlen]

One way to go about this would be to build a round bottomed tender first. This creates skill, tests commitment, and gives a taste.

The project you propose is wonderful, beautiful, and large. Are you commited enough to carry it through? The world is littered with probably a dozen half-finished projects for every one finished.

Not to discourage you at all, but a smaller project would speed the larger one by at least as much time as it would take: in skill acquired, in mistakes made and corrected, in confidence.

[holzbt]

See the Beals Island/Jonesporter lobster boat thread in the design section. You can get a 26' boat for about what you'll pay for the plans.

[L.W. Baxter]

holzbt, I believe that is beside the point...

--Lee

[L.W. Baxter]

However, when they say "skill required: advanced", I believe you can take them at their word. Which means, if you don't have advanced skill now, you will have to aquire it before you finish. Possible to do, in fact I know its been done. Would require a very focused, stubborn person. Attention Deficit Disorder candidates need not apply! :D

--Lee

[JimConlin]

Damn! That's a pretty boat. An excellent choice.

I'd consider hiring a builder like the Lowell Bros. to build the hull and set the engine and running gear. Their experience makes 'em very productive.

[Keith Wilson]

Yes, you're crazy, although it's a gorgeous boat. IMO that's WAY too big a project to start with. OTOH, if you think you have the time, money, and persistence (huge piles of the latter), why not? Get copies of Bud McIntosh's "How to Build a Wooden Boat" and Royal Lowell's "Boatbuilding Down East".

http://www.dhylanboats.com/dhbplanbi1.jpg

[TimothyB]

Lots of designers have said, to paraphrase, "The size of the boat really doesn't relate to how skilled you are, only the complexity of the design" Of course, they could have just been trying to infect us with two foot-itis!

I agree with some of the posters though.. get John Gardner's book, Building Classic Small Craft (http://www.woodenboatstore.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=300-022&variation=&aitem=4&mitem=52) and knock together a lapstrake pram. The plans are already in the book, so you won't have to buy more plans. You'll learn a LOT doing that, and you'll have a tender for the big boat.

[ 05-12-2004, 12:46 PM: Message edited by: TimothyB ]

[NormMessinger]

What Figment said.... smile.gif I really like the lines.

With another thread in mind: Once it is built, can you get her to the water and where will you keep her?

As others have said, consider starting small. You'll surely want a tender anyway and it'll give you a boat to play with while you are building the dream boat.

[sbsbw]

Ok :(

Any suggestions for what to do first?

[Jack Heinlen]

You're gonna have to have more chutzpa than that if you want to carry through on that lobster boat.

A handful have suggested a good course. Build a round bottomed, traditionally planked, tender. Timothy's suggestion is good, get Gardner's book. It, and visits to this place, and other sources, a small pile of cedar and oak, and you'll be on your way. It will pave the way. To learn the skills of lofting, steam bending, spiling, shaping plank on a small boat will be invaluable. It will save you time and money in the long run in excess of the time and money you put into it. When you finish it you will have a little better idea of what you are up against with the big boat, you'll have a tender, and you'll have a pocketful of skills to be able to approach the big project with much more confidence.

People have built a project such as you propose, working alone or with lover or friends, for millenia. You can too! But don't be deluded into thinking it will be easy or quick. Patience and perseverance are the key words. The skills will come as you go along.

[JimConlin]

If its any comfort, the Jonesport style lobsterboat is about as simple as it gets in inboard plank-on-frame powerboats.

Find local friends who can offer counsel and consolation.

[ 05-12-2004, 11:12 PM: Message edited by: JimConlin ]